Also Known As
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE), Urine Protein Electrophoresis (UPE), IFE
Formal Name
Serum protein electrophoresis and urine protein electrophoresis
This article was last reviewed on
This article waslast modified on 18 April 2023.
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?

To help diagnose and monitor tumours of the antibody producing cells (B lymphocytes) and to diagnose and monitor deficiencies of the immune system

When To Get Tested?

If your doctor suspects that you have a condition that affects the antibody concentrations in the blood. If you have no symptoms is may be that other test results suggest a problem with antibodies such as a high total protein concentration

Sample Required?

A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm; sometimes a random or 24-hour urine sample

Test Preparation Needed?

No test preparation is needed

On average it takes 7 working days for the blood test results to come back from the hospital, depending on the exact tests requested. Some specialist test results may take longer, if samples have to be sent to a reference (specialist) laboratory. The X-ray & scan results may take longer. If you are registered to use the online services of your local practice, you may be able to access your results online. Your GP practice will be able to provide specific details.

If the doctor wants to see you about the result(s), you will be offered an appointment. If you are concerned about your test results, you will need to arrange an appointment with your doctor so that all relevant information including age, ethnicity, health history, signs and symptoms, laboratory and other procedures (radiology, endoscopy, etc.), can be considered.

Lab Tests Online-UK is an educational website designed to provide patients and carers with information on laboratory tests used in medical care. We are not a laboratory and are unable to comment on an individual's health and treatment.

Reference ranges are dependent on many factors, including patient age, sex, sample population, and test method, and numeric test results can have different meanings in different laboratories.

For these reasons, you will not find reference ranges for the majority of tests described on this web site. The lab report containing your test results should include the relevant reference range for your test(s). Please consult your doctor or the laboratory that performed the test(s) to obtain the reference range if you do not have the lab report.

For more information on reference ranges, please read Reference Ranges and What They Mean.

What is being tested?

Protein electrophoresis is a method for separating the proteins found in blood (serum) or urine. During the test, an electric current is used to move the proteins across a thin layer of agarose gel. The distances that individual proteins travel depend on their size, shape, and electrical charge. These separated proteins may be detected by the use of a dye that binds to (stains) all of the proteins and reveals a characteristic pattern of bands. Each band indicates the presence of a particular protein or group of proteins, while the size of the band is a rough indication of the quantity. This pattern of bands is converted into a visual graph, showing vertical spikes or peaks where there is a lot of protein and smaller peaks or valleys where there is less. An alternative method called capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) separates proteins by passing them through a long, thin column, producing a graph that is very similar to the one made by running the protein through an agarose gel.

Specific proteins of interest can be identified by separating the proteins by gel electrophoresis and then adding an antibody. The antibody can recognise individual proteins and sticks to them making a big complex that gets caught in the gel. All the other proteins in the system are washed away and the gel stained so the proteins in question can be identified. This procedure is called immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) and only performed if the original electrophoresis is abnormal.

The bands seen on protein electrophoresis form characteristic patterns. Alterations to these patterns are associated with a variety of different diseases and conditions. For example in multiple myeloma (a cancer of certain types of white blood cells called plasma cells), the uncontrolled growth and division of a malignant plasma cell leads to the production of large amounts of a single type of immunoglobulin (antibody). In contrast to other proteins in serum, which are typically of a single type, antibodies (immunoglobulins) must differ from each other to be able to recognise bacteria, viruses and other 'foreign' substances. Each time the body is exposed to a virus, for example, one plasma cell replicates and makes a group (or clone) of plasma cells to produce antibody to eliminate it. Since our total immunoglobulin represents antibody made by many clones, we refer to it as a polyclonal pattern. When there is a cancer of plasma cells, only one type of antibody is produced, termed a monoclonal pattern. This abnormal protein can be seen as a characteristic band on the electrophoresis gel.

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Common Questions
  • How is it used?

    Electrophoresis is used to identify the presence or absence of abnormal proteins and to identify when different groups of proteins are increased or decreased in serum or urine. It is frequently used to detect and identify monoclonal proteins (an excessive production of one specific immunoglobulin). Protein and immunofixation electrophoresis are used to help detect, diagnose, and monitor the course and treatment of conditions associated with these abnormal proteins, including multiple myeloma and a few related diseases.

    Protein is usually excreted in the urine in very small amounts. When it is present in moderate to large amounts, it often indicates a problem with the kidneys. The primary reason protein and immunofixation electrophoresis are requested on urine is to look for monoclonal protein production which has largely been replaced by serum free light chain analysis.

  • When is it requested?

    Protein electrophoresis may be requested when a doctor is investigating symptoms that suggest multiple myeloma, such as bone pain, anaemia, tiredness, unexplained fractures, and recurrent infections. It may also be used as a follow-up to other laboratory tests, such as an abnormal total protein and/or albumin level, elevated urine protein levels, elevated calcium levels, and low white or red blood cell counts. Immunofixation electrophoresis is usually ordered when the protein electrophoresis test shows the presence of an abnormal protein band that may be an immunoglobulin.

    Electrophoresis tests are most frequently requested when a doctor suspects a disease or condition that causes a monoclonal protein to be produced. Once a disease or condition has been diagnosed, electrophoresis may be used at regular intervals to monitor the course of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment. As disease progresses, the amount of protein goes up; with treatment (if required), it goes down. Monoclonal protein production may be due to a malignant disease, such as multiple myeloma, but it may also be due to a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Most patients with MGUS have no symptoms, but they must continue to be monitored regularly as some may develop multiple myeloma after a number of years.

    Serum protein electrophoresis may also be used when symptoms suggest an inflammatory condition, an autoimmune disease, an acute or chronic infection, a kidney or liver disorder, or a protein-losing condition, even if the total protein and/or albumin concentrations are apparently normal. 

  • What does the test result mean?

    The main use of electrophoresis is for detection of possible myeloma, therefore although many other protein patterns can be seen the reporting is usually limited to whether a monoclonal band is identified or not and what type of antibody it is and how much.

  • Is there anything else I should know?

    Immunisations within the previous six months can increase immunoglobulins as can drugs such as phenytoin (Dilantin), procainamide, oral contraceptives, methadone, and therapeutic gamma globulin.

    Aspirin, bicarbonates, chlorpromazine (Thorazine), corticosteroids, neomycin and drugs based on antibodies can affect protein electrophoresis results.

     

  • Why might my doctor do an electrophoresis when my total protein and albumin are normal?

    They may do a serum electrophoresis because you may have an abnormality even though the total protein and albumin are normal. This is because the body tries to maintain a constant amount of protein and may increase or decrease its production of other proteins to compensate for a deficiency or overproduction of others. 

  • Is electrophoresis used for anything else?

    Yes, any time separation of molecules is desired. DNA electrophoresis, for instance, is used to help study the genetic makeup of plants, animals, and humans.

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